as for width they feel good but length feels/looks a little long but it's probably just in my head cause when I first opened the box I was like these look huge! I will wear around the house a couple times to see how I feel in a couple days.

Is creasing that serious of an issue? I thought that it simply made the shoe look better, as with all well worked and aged leathers.

I think the "issues" with creasing, especially with shell, are related mainly to aesthetics and not longevity (so long as the shoe is maintained properly). Some even like a decent amount of creasing, as Alcibiades described above.

Small scratches on cordovan shoes are common; bumps are less common, but do happen. Color 8 longwings are common enough that you can probably exchange them for another pair if you wish in the size you bought. However, on rarer cordovan makeups, it will be less likely that you will be able to find a flawless pair. As mentioned before, these issues are common enough that if they bother you significantly, you will simply enjoy Alden less.

Thank you. This is what I wanted to know. So basically I am overreacting. I don't need to have it flawless, I just needed to make sure that I am not getting shafted with below average quality.

I figured that there was no better place to get an experienced opinion on these shoes than the enthusiast thread.

Shell purists are anti-creasing. Many, like myself, are not that concerned by it--and I think some creasing adds character. Afterall, they are shoes.

Shell purists, 'eh? Okay, LOL! I live in NYC, and I walk plenty. Creasing is going to happen, especially in these streets.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Papa Doble

I think the "issues" with creasing, especially with shell, are related mainly to aesthetics and not longevity (so long as the shoe is maintained properly). Some even like a decent amount of creasing, as Alcibiades described above.

I was just thinking of how can you actually walk without a shoe, any shoe, creasing at all. It seems physiologically impossible, unless you are sliding to and from work.

Thank you. This is what I wanted to know. So basically I am overreacting. I don't need to have it flawless, I just needed to make sure that I am not getting shafted with below average quality.

I figured that there was no better place to get an experienced opinion on these shoes than the enthusiast thread.

Only you can determine how important it is - other posters have bought fewer Alden shoes because of these issues. I obviously like Alden a lot, but quality control / consistency from pair to pair is not the company's strong suit

Shell purists, 'eh? Okay, LOL! I live in NYC, and I walk plenty. Creasing is going to happen, especially in these streets.
I was just thinking of how can you actually walk without a shoe, any shoe, creasing at all. It seems physiologically impossible, unless you are sliding to and from work.

I think you and I are saying exactly the same thing. My point above is that many here work really hard to prevent their shells from creasing. I agree with you, this seems to be at odds with what we know happens to shoes as you walk in them--but it doesn't stop people from trying.

Only you can determine how important it is - other posters have bought fewer Alden shoes because of these issues. I obviously like Alden a lot, but quality control / consistency from pair to pair is not the company's strong suit

Well the comments from both you and Burton seem to indicate that it comes with the territory. I was not aware of the quality control issues but I am otherwise really excited about starting a shell collection.

I know this has been gone over a bunch of times, but I can't seem to find them on the thread. What are the rubbers that have the felt or fleece lining in them. I got my first pair(s) of shells this past year and need a new pair of outers. Thanks in advance.

I think it is more of matter of how the bend at the end of the vamp interacts with the rest of the front of shoe - the structure lends itself to more pronounced creasing when the shoes are made of cordovan. It also has to do with the characteristics of whatever piece of cordovan leather they use for the shoe. This is of course less of an issue with calf, suede or chromexcel. I don't think sizing is that much of an issue - my whiskey chukkas are 10D and my cigar are 9.5E, both have creasing.
The creasing (when the shoes are maintained with Mac method) tend to create more attention grabbing variations of shine, which makes them look attractive to a lot of wearers and onlookers. Others can't stand them. It's personal preference

Well said.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkater1

I know this has been gone over a bunch of times, but I can't seem to find them on the thread. What are the rubbers that have the felt or fleece lining in them. I got my first pair(s) of shells this past year and need a new pair of outers. Thanks in advance.